A previous guest on past Women in Horror Month spotlights, I welcome back Melissa Sapienza to talk about her upcoming film "Cracula" and some of her latest writing projects.
Me: Hello, and thank you for returning to this! Since last we spoke, you’ve continued your relationship with Brad Twigg in his new film “Cracula.” What can you tell us about the film and your role as Kori?
Melissa Sapienza: Thank YOU for welcoming me back! Cracula is about a recovering addict and his battle against Dracula who now has a thirst for drug blood. It’s as bonkers and fun as you can imagine! I was asked to play the role of Peaches, a sassy pimp. Due to the ways of indie filming and the original Actress had to back out due to circumstances out of her control, Brad needed a Kori. I received a call from the assistant director, Chris Rhydings, and the call basically went like this-
“So uh, she can’t come now and..”
“Brad wants me to be Kori AND Peaches, doesn’t he?”
“Ha! Yes. What do you think?”
“I’ll do it”
So we made it happen. Half the day I would be Kori, a vampire hunter ready to spill her first round of blood. Then, transform into a sex-loving, cream-filled pimp, Peaches.
Me: As you’ve worked with Brad in the past, did that help you easier prepare for the character before filming started?
MS: Oh Absolutely! Brad and I harass each other regularly just being buddies. When it comes to roles, we take time to discuss the character(s) what he has in vision, and what I feel like I can bring. I never really feel underprepared coming into a role that he casts me in.
Me: What was the set like while shooting the film? How did the cast and crew react to the type of film being made?
MS: With any Fuzzy Monkey set, the vibe is always fun and welcoming. It was a lovely blend of new and familiar faces. Everyone involved did what they could to offer assistance where needed. Lots of laughs were had as always.
Me: Do you recall having any odd or funny on-set stories about yourself or any of the other cast/crew members?
MS: There are SO many and it’s hard to pick one that won’t give any spoilers. HA! I will say the first time I had to film a scene as Peaches was entertaining. The act of trying to solidify my manly voice and laugh was enough to break all of us.
Me: With a cast of familiar faces from the indie scene in the film, does it help you be at ease in a situation where you’re familiar with many of your costars?
MS: It definitely does help seeing the familiar faces on set. It’s like a family reunion. Very warm and welcoming. I also enjoy meeting new folks as well. Working with different people provides opportunities to learn from one another, ya know? Not that you can’t learn from your established film family. You’re always learning. But, maybe the new blood has something you’ve never seen done before.
Me: Outside of this, you also appeared in the upcoming mockumentary “The Legend of Crickfoot.” What about the character of Dew drew you to the film?
MS: Oh, Crickfoot! What a fun concept. Dew was actually a character I created. The director, Bone Jawnson, encouraged the actors to create their own characters and tell their own stories of their encounters with Crickfoot. Dew is a nature-driven, chakra-aligned spiritual artist who uses Crickfoot as a muse for her art.
Me: What are you most looking forward to with its upcoming release?
MS: The Legend of Crickfoot has been making its way around horror conventions this year! You cannot escape the hotdog-lovin’ cryptid!
Me: As well, you’ve also started work on writing several shorts. What about this aspect of the industry appeals to you? Where did the inspiration to start writing come from?
MS: Yes! I’m in the very early stages of working on a small anthology based on stories written by a friend of mine. I set a personal goal to work on my own project this year and I think this is a great spot to start! I’ll have more details soon *wink wink*
At the end of the day, I want to create. I am open to creating in various ways. The one I haven’t done much is writing scripts of my own. I have edited scripts and co-wrote. This will be the first time that I'm the mad woman behind the keys. I’m nervous and excited!
Me: What is your writing process? How do you stay focused on writing?
MS: Really a lot of it is me “info dumping” then going in and fine-tuning. I’ve actually had a difficult time staying focused recently! Life has had some curveballs recently, so my mental and emotional bandwidth has been minimal. I think I will be able to commit more time and energy shortly. I think scheduling a time regularly each week will be the best course of action for me.
Me: What else are you working on that you'd like to share with our readers?
MS: I am currently offering a sponsorship program to help with convention visits! Want to see me more at shows? The link to sponsor is on my social medias (or the link below!):
Also, as you could expect, Fuzzy Monkey films will be in my future. *ominous mystery*
Me: Lastly, being that this is our Women in Horror Movement, what special message do you have for any women out there looking to join in the industry in any capacity as you are one yourself? Thank you again for your time!
MS: I think I say the same thing every year, but it still rings true - Want to act? Want to direct? Want to learn makeup? All you have to do is take the leap. It might be scary at first, but you won't regret it. Take the leap.
This interview ran as part of our 2025 Women in Horror Movement series. Click the banner below to check out all the featured interviews in this series:
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